Grade 1 Fatty Liver: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Lifestyle Changes

The liver is an invaluable part of the human body and helps flush out the toxins from the bloodstream.

Grade 1 Fatty Liver, the initial stage of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, happens when too much fat builds up in the liver and obstructs its healthy functioning.

This article explores the Grade 1 Fatty changes in liver, their causes, and the lifestyle changes that can help treat the disease.

What is Grade 1 Fatty Liver?

Grade 1 Fatty Liver, also known as Mild Fatty Liver, is the initial and mildest stage of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD).

Unlike Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, NAFLD affects people who consume little to no alcohol.

Grade 1 Fatty Liver is a liver disease in which too much fat builds up in the liver (hepatic steatosis) and can prevent the liver from functioning normally.

The condition usually does not cause any symptoms and can be easily managed. However, if untreated, it may worsen and lead to severe and permanent liver damage.

What are the Risk Factors of Grade 1 Fatty Liver? 

Some common risk factors which put individuals at risk of Grade 1 Fatty Liver:

1. Obesity
2. Type 2 diabetes
3. Insulin resistance
4. Certain types of infections
5. Having triglycerides and other high levels of fat in the blood
6. Side effects from certain medications, such as corticosteroids and antidepressants
7. Pregnancy complications

What are the Grade 1 Fatty Liver Symptoms? 

Grade 1 Fatty Liver generally does not cause symptoms. In some cases, it may result in:

1. Fatigue
2. Abdominal bloating

Untreated Fatty Liver, however, may lead to fat buildup in the liver over time and can lead to severe liver damage (cirrhosis).

Cirrhosis may cause various symptoms, including:

1. Loss of appetite
2. Weight loss
3. Nausea
4. Fatigue
5. Abdominal swelling
6. Swelling in the legs, feet, or hands

What are the Causes of Grade 1 Fatty Liver? 

Grade 1 Fatty Liver is caused by excessive fat building up in the liver.

The liver consists of hepatic cells that help the organ in filtering toxins from an individual’s bloodstream. Thus, the liver is irreplaceable in the body’s healthy functioning.

However, the hepatic cells are unable to function properly and even get damaged as excessive fat builds up in the liver.

A normal level of fat buildup in the liver is expected for most people. However, certain lifestyle choices can lead to a higher amount of fat in the liver than usual and result in Grade 1 Fatty Liver.

Such Grade 1 Fatty Liver causes can include:

1. Having a diet rich in fat
2. Smoking
3. Excessive alcohol consumption (in the case of Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease)

How is Grade 1 Fatty Liver Diagnosed? 

As Grade 1 Fatty Liver does not cause symptoms in most cases, healthcare professionals need to perform several tests to diagnose the disease and rule out other conditions.

These liver tests can include:

1. A complete blood count (CBC)
2. Liver enzyme and liver function tests
3. Screening test for celiac disease
4. Iron studies
5. Imaging tests, including abdominal ultrasound, MRI, CT scan, and transient elastography

If the test results are unclear or indicate more severe fatty liver disease, the healthcare professional may perform a liver biopsy to make a conclusive diagnosis and check the extent of liver damage.

How to Treat Fatty Liver Grade 1? 

Treatment for Grade 1 Fatty Liver consists of:

1. Weight loss through lifestyle changes
2. Medication (as prescribed by a healthcare professional)

Individuals who wish to know how to reduce Fatty Liver Grade 1 should consider the following lifestyle changes:

1. Eating a healthy diet
2. Reducing food portion sizes
3. Regular exercise

Healthcare professionals recommend losing 10% or more of the body weight to effectively reduce Grade 1 Fatty Liver.

Grade 1 Fatty Liver can be easily treated and managed if it is diagnosed in a timely manner. Upon noticing signs of Grade 1 Fatty Liver, consult a healthcare professional and book a Fatty Liver Index test at Dr. Lal PathLabs.

FAQs 

1. Is Grade 1 Fatty Liver dangerous?

Grade 1 Fatty Liver is usually not dangerous. Untreated, however, the disease can cause fat buildup in the liver over time, leading to scarring of liver tissue, known as liver fibrosis. Liver fibrosis can then cause severe liver damage, known as cirrhosis.

2. What is the life expectancy with Grade 1 Fatty Liver disease?

Grade 1 Fatty Liver does not affect the life expectancy of the affected individual. However, if the disease progresses and leads to cirrhosis, it can reduce life expectancy to three to five years if it is not diagnosed in time.

3. What are some effective preventive measures for Grade 1 Fatty Liver?

The most effective way to prevent Grade 1 Fatty Liver is by maintaining good health and staying active. Inculcate healthy lifestyle habits, such as regular exercise, avoiding alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, and regularly taking prescribed medications (especially for individuals with Type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome).